{"product_id":"emt-tsd-sph-tondose","title":"EMT TSD SPH Cartridge, Stereo MC with Spherical Stylus","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe EMT TSD SPH is a stereo cartridge with a spherical diamond of 15 µm rounding radius, designed for early stereo pressings and fully compatible with the earlier TSD 15.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt shares generator, magnesium body and mounting dimensions with the other TSD models — the difference is up front, at the tip. A spherical cut sits wider and higher in the groove than a fineline cut. Exactly where records from the early stereo years were cut, and where newer tips get restless in already-played grooves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhy the EMT TSD SPH?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause not every record needs a magnifying glass. If you mostly listen to pressings from the 1950s and 1960s, or second-hand stock with history, the spherical stylus gives you a calmer, more forgiving sound instead of scratched-up detail. It rides over light groove damage instead of acoustically cataloguing it. Add to that the structural robustness of the TSD range: aluminum-boron cantilever, body milled from solid magnesium, connection available as EMT, INT (Ortofon A) or X (SME).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat you hear\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubstance and calm. Fundamental tone and midrange stand firm, groove noise noticeably recedes, the sound image holds together even on older records. At the top end the SPH stops at 20,000 Hz rather than 25,000 Hz like the SFL — no loss for recordings whose original master rolls off earlier anyway. At 0.21 mVs\/cm it delivers the same strong MC output as its siblings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWho is the TSD SPH for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor collections focused on early stereo pressings, for archive and studio use, and for anyone who wants an uncomplicated, long-lasting cartridge. Straight talk: if you mostly listen to audiophile new pressings and want the last layer of overtones, go for the TSD SFL instead — the spherical stylus deliberately leaves some of that on the table. The SPH isn't for genuine mono records either, that's what the mono cartridges in the TMD and TND ranges are for. And the tonearm should be medium to heavy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe TSD SPH is the sensible one among the EMT cartridges: no showpiece effect, but years of everyday reliability and a stylus cut that likes exactly the records many other systems struggle with. Tell us at HD Zürisee in Wädenswil what's on your platter — from that it's almost always obvious whether SPH or SFL is the right choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTechnical data\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eType: MC stereo (cartridge)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiamond: SPH, spherical, 15 µm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCantilever: Aluminum-boron\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBody: Magnesium, milled from solid\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOutput transfer level: 0.21 mVs\/cm (roughly 1.05 mV at 5 cm\/s)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInternal impedance: 2 × 24 Ohm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended load impedance: 200 – 300 Ohm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecommended tracking force: 2.5 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFrequency response: 20 – 20,000 Hz (±2 dB: 40 – 12,500 Hz)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompliance: 12 µm\/mN\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVertical tracking angle: 23°\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWeight: 17.5 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConnection: EMT (standard), optional INT (Ortofon A) or X (SME)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMounting length: 32 mm (EMT and INT), 51 mm (X)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhich records is the TSD SPH designed for?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMainly for early stereo pressings and used records. The spherical diamond with 15 µm rounding sits wider in the groove than a fineline cut and tracks reliably where finer tips already pick up traces of wear. For audiophile new pressings, the TSD SFL is the more refined choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I play mono records with the TSD SPH?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnly to a limited extent. The TSD SPH is a stereo system and also reads vertical deflection, which means extra noise on genuine mono grooves. For mono collections, EMT offers the TMD 015 and TMD 025 with true mono winding, and the TND 065 for shellac. We're happy to help you sort out the right match.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat tracking force and load does the TSD SPH need?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2.5 grams tracking force and 200 to 300 Ohm load impedance at the MC input. Internal resistance is 2 × 24 Ohm, compliance is 12 µm\/mN. That puts it on a medium-to-heavy tonearm. If that doesn't suit your arm, we'll tell you before you buy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eDoes the TSD SPH fit in place of an old TSD 15?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. EMT lists its current TSD cartridges as fully compatible with the earlier TSD 15. You just choose the matching connection variant: EMT as standard, INT for Ortofon A mounts, or X in SME length of 51 millimeters. Which one is fitted on your setup, we'll work out together over the phone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy buy the EMT TSD SPH at HD Zürisee?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the choice of stylus cut depends on your record collection, not on a brochure. As an authorized dealer with years of experience in analog, we advise you honestly, handle installation and setup on request, and stay reachable after the purchase too. Write to us or pick up the phone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGoes well with\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA cartridge needs an MC input with the right matching — you'll find it among the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/phono-vorverstarker\"\u003ePhono-Vorverstärker\u003c\/a\u003e. If the turntable itself is up for discussion, it's worth a look at the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler\"\u003ePlattenspieler\u003c\/a\u003e; for setup, cleaning and weights there's the \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/plattenspieler-zubehor\"\u003ePlattenspieler-Zubehör\u003c\/a\u003e. More cartridges are listed under \u003ca href=\"\/en\/collections\/tonabnehmer\"\u003eTonabnehmer\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"EMT","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53037072941392,"sku":null,"price":1800.0,"currency_code":"CHF","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0932\/3262\/8048\/files\/emt-tsd-sph-tondose-schraegansicht.jpg?v=1788533696","url":"https:\/\/hdzuerisee.ch\/en\/products\/emt-tsd-sph-tondose","provider":"HD Zürisee AG","version":"1.0","type":"link"}